Synthesis of Alcohols via a Rhodium-Catalyzed Hydroformylation-Reduction Sequence using Tertiary Bidentate Amine Ligands

The synthesis of alcohols from aromatic olefins is described using a rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylationreduction sequence with the assistance of a tertiary diamine ligand. The alcohols are produced in excellent branched to linear ratios and in good to excellent isolated yields. In all cases no aldehyde product, from hydroformylation, or alkyl product, from olefin reduction, was detected.